Wednesday, 27 November 2019

ISO standards and systems for manufactures of Medical equipment and devices in Singapore


Medical Device Standards Supported By IAS


Several management standards are applicable to manufacturing of Medical equipments and devices. A brief overview of the most relevant, also information about the role IAS (ISO 13485 Certification provider in Singapore) can play in getting your organization certified.


What are the common medical device manufacturing standards?


The most common medical device manufacturing standards include:


·         ISO 9001:

This is the general standard for quality management. It isn't industry-specific and as such can be effectively adopted by any organization that wishes to implement a more rigorous system based on a continuous improvement cycle. For Medical equipments and devices manufacturers, ISO 9001 engages management in the quality control process, helping make organization-wide changes that keep costs down, improve accountability, facilitate growth in a more responsible way and simplify regulatory compliance. The most recent version of ISO 9001, published in 2015, is based on the high-level Annex SL directive, utilizing a common vocabulary and structure that makes it simpler to attain compliance with other, more specific standards.

·         ISO 13485:

This is the quality management system specifically designed for Medical equipments and devices manufacturers. It expands on and refines the framework established by ISO 9001, with the aim of harmonizing regulatory requirements. Compliance with ISO 13485 Certification assists with overall quality control, traceability, process validation and risk management. Manufacturers that attain ISO Certification for Medical Devices in Singapore compliance will have an easier time carrying their products to global markets. Compliance can also streamline your processes and ultimately help you to run a progressively efficient, beneficial and risk-averse operation. There are many ISO 13485 Certification Services in Singapore who can help you to achieve ISO Certification for Medical equipment in Singapore.

·         ISO 14001:

Sustainability is an important concern for all manufacturers trying to run a leaner business. Implementing an environmental management system compliant with ISO 14001 standards can help medical device manufacturers cut down on waste, conserve energy and reduce their overall carbon footprint — important benefits when working with complex global supply chains. Like ISO 9001:2015, the latest version of ISO 14001 is based on the Annex SL structure. As an outcome, if you already have a certified quality management system in place, adopting ISO 14001 can be relatively straightforward. When your environmental, health and safety, and other protocols share necessities, your business is better positioned to succeed in the competitive medical device industry.

·         ISO 50001:

This standard complements ISO 14001 by offering a particular standardized system for energy management. With it, Medical equipment and device manufacturers can reduce their operating expenses and improve their overall energy efficiency, which can subsequently enhance their reputation and facilitate regulatory compliance.

·         OHSAS 18001 / ISO 45001:

Pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing often presents specific occupational risks, especially when working with the advanced technology found in imaging equipment and other products. While ensuring the safety of your team is essential, it shouldn't come at the expense of productivity. OHSAS 18001 / ISO 45001 outlines requirements for occupational health and safety management systems that can be utilized in the medical device industry to reduce risk and improve accountability while positioning your organization for sustainable growth. Use it to diminish accident rates and related liability issues on an ongoing basis.

·         ISO 27001:

As medical devices become progressively sophisticated, cyber security is an expanding concern. The developing market for smartphone based health monitoring apps, as well as connected devices in the diagnostic room and operating theatre, requires proactive information security standards. Add to that the danger of your valuable intellectual property being compromised in a data breach, and it is clear to see why ISO 27001 has turned into a critical standard for health care and medical device manufacturers. ISO 27001 contains tools that can help you assess and manage cyber security risks in your organization. It is based on a set of globally recognized best practices that aren't specific to any one platform or software package. Becoming ISO 27001 certified will position you to adapt accordingly as the threats against your enterprise change and to maintain continuity in the event of a cyber-security incident.



ISO 13485 Quality Management System certification


Evolving in the Medical Device field calls for a level of understanding of the regulatory environment and what it suggests for duties and obligations.
Countries are increasingly developing their local regulations based on the GHTF (Global Harmonization Task Force, now the International Medical Device Regulator’s Forum - IMDRF) model.
Already-existing regulatory schemes tend to be assessed by Health Authorities controls and/or Certification Bodies.

The majority of these regulations have as common base the Quality Management System (QMS) and Risk management principles. ISO 13485, in its recent evolution affirms that the regulatory requirements are intended to be a key consideration in the future of Quality Management Systems.


What is the ISO 13485 standard?


ISO 13485, Medical devices - Quality Management Systems necessities for regulatory purposes, is an globally recognized standard for organizations engaged with the medical device industry. Companies are utilizing compliance to this standard to get the certification of their Quality Management System. The main purpose of the ISO 13485 standard is the Harmonization of the Medical Device regulatory requirements for Quality Management Systems. The survey conducted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) shows that in 2015, the quantity of ISO 13485 certificates issued worldwide was 26255. ISO 13485 Certification Services in Singapore provide ISO accreditation necessitates that the organization occasionally reviews its quality procedures.


Who can be ISO 13485 certified?


The ISO 13485 certification is a proof of Quality Management System compliance to the standard for organizations engaged in the Medical Device industry. This approach is not only followed by Medical Device Manufacturers but also supporting organizations such as Subcontractors, Suppliers, European Authorized Representatives, specialized Consulting firms etc.,.


Note that ISO 13485:2016 expands the profile of companies and organizations to which the standard can apply:  Organizations engaged in one or several stages of a Medical Device Lifecycle or a Supplier or other External Parties providing such organizations with products for example.

AUDIT PROCESS: CLICK HERE


Organizations involved in one or more phases of the medical device life cycle

  • Design and Development
  • Production
  • Storage
  • Distribution
  • Installation
  • Servicing

Suppliers or External Parties who provide products to such Organizations

  • Raw materials
  • Components
  • Sub-assemblies
  • Medical devices
  • Sterilization services
  • Calibration services
  • Distribution services
  • Maintenance services
In addition, the ISO 13485 standard requires that the organization recognizes its roles in connection with the regulatory requirements (e.g. Manufacturer, Representative, Importer and / or Distributor), and determines the applicable regulatory requirements depending on the role(s), then integrates the regulatory requirements in the QMS.

A Quality Management System is neither intended to be a frozen in time nor is the company. The QMS is defined to help streamline and reinforce internal processes and procedures while carrying on with the changes and evolutions affecting the market.


How is ISO 13485 recognized worldwide?


ISO 13485 focuses on the harmonization of the Quality Management Systems in the framework of Medical Device regulatory necessities. It isn't surprising to see that many jurisdictions recognize or even require that Medical Device manufacturers obtain ISO Certification for Medical equipment in Singapore in order to access their market. Various regulatory authorities have adopted the ISO Certification for Medical Devices in Singapore standard as part of their own requirements to enable the sale of Medical Devices on their territory. The Medical Device Single Audit Program commonly referred to as MDSAP went a step advance: it is built on the ISO 13485 principles and incorporates those principles as feature of the audit criteria.


Why should I get ISO 13485 certified?


Voluntarily conforming to ISO 13485 is the best approach that companies have to prepare for an international market access. Being ISO 13485 certified provides stakeholders and business partners with the confidence that the organization has put all the efforts to conform to the standard.

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